Agriculture Issue Analysis Ag Issues

Define an Issue Issue- “A point in debate or controversy on which the parties take affirmative and negative positions; a presentation of alternatives between which to choose or decide; the point at which a matter is ready for, or admits of, decision.”

Identifying an Agriculture Issue Follow the steps to an issue….. Argument Difference of opinion Controversy & problem Issue, problem, question

Analyze the Issue Each Issue should be stated as a question. It should make a single statement about a single thing. Example, Is the use of Agricultural pesticides contaminating our groundwater?” The question should be expressed in such a way as to be fair to both sides. Define the terms in the question so that they will be clear, convincing and consistent with the origin and history of the question.

Questions to ask yourself…. Why is this issue important? What is the nature of the issue? Who is involved in the issue? How can this issue be defined? What is the historical background of the issue? What caused the issue What are the risks? What are the benefits? Is there strong disagreement as to how the issue should be solved?

Gather Information a. Recall your personal experiences. b. Visit the concern. Talk with someone who knows d. Listen and read e. Use the library

You now have the tools….